From the archive · March 18, 2000
Acelino Freitas vs Javier Jauregui
WBO World Super Featherweight Title · Credicard Hall, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Record 24-0-0 · 130 lb
Record 41-8-1 · 130 lb
The fight
On March 18, 2000, at Sao Paulo's Credicard Hall, WBO Junior Lightweight champion Acelino Freitas faced seasoned Mexican challenger Javier Jauregui in his third title defence. The matchup initially promised intrigue as Jauregui, a 50-fight veteran, showed his experience by effectively slipping Freitas's opening jabs.
However, the champion's superior speed - both in hand and foot movement - proved decisive. At 1:25 of the opening round, Freitas unleashed a lightning-fast left hook that sent Jauregui under the ropes. Despite referee Roberto Ramirez Sr's count, the challenger remained seated and was counted out.
The brevity of this encounter belied Jauregui's quality - he would go on to capture the vacant IBF Lightweight title against Leavander Johnson in November 2003.
The result added another quick knockout to Freitas's growing reputation as one of boxing's most devastating punchers.